Scrum-half Mike Blair believes Newcastle have managed to steer their thinking away from relegation and that has benefited their Premiership form.

Last season the Falcons avoided the drop by just six points, having won one game and two bonus points more than relegated Worcester.

Blair, 33, came from Edinburgh in the Pro12, where there is no relegation.

"Last year we got caught up in not being relegated rather than playing the game," Blair told BBC Look North.

"This year we've gone away from that a bit more, concentrating on our performance and trying to get victories on the back of it."

Falcons improvement in numbers

2013-14 - Premiership final

2014-15 - up to 28-11-14

11th

Position

10th

3

Wins

3

19

Losses

5

23

Tries

17

8

Losing bonus points

1

2

Try bonus points

0

The results have improved, as has the style of rugby - something that director of rugby Dean Richards hinted at towards the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

New players arrived, such as Juan Pablo Socino, Joshua Furno and Alesana Tuilagi, as did Dave Walder to the coaching staff, while the artificial pitch at Kingston Park has also helped with a more fluid brand of rugby.

"I think the players are starting to get to know each other, how they play, what different players like doing and how to get the best out of them," added Blair.

"Dave Walder came in as an attack coach and three or four months in his ideas are becoming clear now."